DT Tom Johnson Signs With Seattle Seahawks

Image courtesy of Vikings.com

The Vikings beefed up the defensive line this offseason with the acquisition of Sheldon Richardson. The player he replaced has apparently replaced Richardson in his old stomping grounds.

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, former Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson has signed with the Seattle Seahawks.

Johnson’s “unconventional” career path

After going undrafted in the 2005 NFL Draft, Johnson joined the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent. He was unable to make the team’s roster. From there, he took the season off before playing multiple seasons in the Arena and Canadian Football Leagues.

At age 27, Johnson landed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints in 2011. He spent three seasons with the Saints as a backup defensive tackle.

Then, Johnson joined the Vikings as a free agent in 2014. He immediately made an impact, collecting 6.5 sacks and starting two games in place of injured starter Sharrif Floyd. Johnson become an integral part of the Vikings’ defensive line rotation, especially after Floyd’s potentially career-ending mishap.

In 2017, the 33 year-old got an opportunity to start from day one. He wound up starting 15 games for the Vikings, registering 17 tackles and two sacks. He earned a 77.7 Pro Football Focus grade (60th among interior defenders). Johnson had a fine season, but the Vikings wanted an upgrade in free agency. In Minnesota, Johnson collected 16 sacks in four seasons.

Now, he’ll take his talents to the West Coast. Pelissero reported Johnson’s deal with the Seahawks is for one-year and worth up to $2.7 million.

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